NORFOLK, Va. -- For the first time in the 15-year history of the women's soccer program at Old Dominion, the team has been listed in the national rankings. Soccer America Magazine posted ODU at 25th in the nation in their most recent Top 25, released Monday morning. ODU is 7-1 this season with five shutouts, including two this weekend against NC State and previously unbeaten Akron. ODU is also ranked 7th in the Mid-Atlantic region according to SOCCER BUZZ and 10th in the region according to the NSCAA/adidas poll.

Head coach Joe Pereira, at the helm for all but one season in Lady Monarchs history, has coached the team to one of the best starts in school history, going 7-1 in non-conference action in 2008. The team ranks 14th in the nation in scoring offense and also boasts one of the top defenses in the nation, holding opponents to just 0.61 goals against.

Though it is the first time the Lady Monarchs have been named to the national Top 25, the team has been ranked regionally nearly all season. According to SOCCER BUZZ MAGAZINE, ODU is the 7th best team in the mid-atlantic region and in the NSCAA/adidas coaches poll, ODU is ranked 10th best in the region.

The team is led by nine seniors who, with their wins this weekend, became the first class to go undefeated against non-conference opponents at home in their careers (13-0-0). Seniors Shavon Knight and Katie Watson lead the way in scoring, with seven and six goals respectively. Knight has added four assists for a team-high 18 points, while Watson has helped on two goals, giving her 14 points on the season.

Senior defenders Marilee Mastaler and Elizabeth Brewster have shut down opponents, allowing just six shots per contest and only 0.61 goals against per game. The fourth-year goalkeeper, Lauren Tupman, has allowed just five goals in eight games this year, while posting four solo shutouts and a fifth combined.

ODU begins the conference slate this weekend as they host Georgia State (7-2) on Friday at 7:00 pm. They then hit the road to play UNC Wilmington (4-3-1) at 2:00 on Sunday.